Johnny Miller
Candidate for
City Commission
Fernandina Beach
October 26, 2016 6:32 a.m.
Editor’s Notes: We have offered each candidate for the Fernandina Beach City Commission the opportunity to provide a statement to the voters during the last two weeks of the election season. A statement from city commission candidate Eric Childers will follow. Although we welcome comments, we ask our readers not place comments on this post.
The 5th Annual Fernandina Observer Candidate Forum can be viewed by visiting the City of Fernandina Beach Website. Click here, and then scroll down and click on the small light blue “recorded city commission meetings.” You will see “Town Hall Candidate Forum” click play.
As the election day approaches I think it’s safe to say that all incumbent public servants would hope that their previous years of policies and decision making would speak for themselves. Just in case there are still some voters our there who are undecided, here is brief overview of what I stand for.
Preservation. Growth is going to happen. We live here because we were drawn to the natural beauty of this island. But we must follow in the footsteps of our previous Commissions who wisely put checks in our comprehensive plan and land development to protect our limited space.
Accessibility. I strive to be as accessible to my community as possible. My cell is 904-556-3299, email is [email protected], and I vigilantly maintain a public Facebook page. If I know it, you’ll know it. I want and need to hear from you. This communication is why we have Mobi Mat ADA accessible beaches as just one example. Also, I will NOT make a final decision on how I will vote until you as a member of our community have the opportunity to take the brave step of walking up to the podium in the commission chambers and expressing your opinion.
Effectiveness. I hear it all the time. As it stands over the past year, your current Commission is working together as a team who has a common vision for the future of our City. I did consider not seeking reelection to continue my education, but I am concerned that “messing with a good thing” may slow the improvements we sorely need and are finally so close to accomplishing.
One final point I’d like to address. My opponent has publicly stated that he feels that I’ve traveled too much instead of “staying here” and supporting “local businesses”. I did travel to Tallahassee, and Washington D.C. I’ve met with State Representatives, State Senators, US Congressmen, US Senators, the Director of the BOEM, the Secretary of the Interior, and White House staff, on my own dime, representing you and the 5-0 Commission decision to oppose offshore drilling and oil exploration off our coastline. I would challenge anyone who questions this as not being “business friendly” to research how business on our Gulf Coast shoreline are doing now compared to before the preventable Deepwater Horizon disaster. I can’t prevent a hurricane, but I will do and regardless of my elected status, continue to prevent a man made event like that from occurring here. And in doing so still have a perfect attendance voting record. It’s what you are me paying for.
If anyone has any questions on where I stand or how I feel before you make your decision, you know where to find me!
It’s been an honor to represent you as your Mayor. Thank you for your confidence.